Europe still grapples with a host of pressing challenges from Brexit to Hungary and Poland allied in a series of disputes with the EU, the unresolved migration crisis, poverty, unemployment, and elections campaigning kicking off.

With only ten months remaining before the next European elections, this year’s EuroPhilantopics will offer EFC members the chance to discuss EU developments in small, focussed discussions with representatives of the EU institutions. In a series of off the record conversations, policymakers and philanthropists will delve deeper into EU policy areas, share perspectives and examine avenues for collaboration by making the best use of the different but complementary perspectives and resources that they can offer.

The programme agenda for 2018 is in progress. Confirmed discussions include:

I. rEUnaissance

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Luca Jahier, the newly appointed President, stated the following:

“The responses to the multiple crises that the European Union has been confronted with have increasingly led European citizens to become disenchanted not only with the European Union itself but also with democratic institutions in general – both at the European and national level. There is a serious risk of EU citizens no longer seeing the added value of the EU for their living and working conditions as well as for their future perspectives and those of their children and for losing a common sense of belonging.

Therefore, at the moment when Europe is reflecting on its future, it is fundamental to generate more effective policies and a new positive narrative. This must be based on common values, social justice and on a long-term vision and strategy of socially, politically and economically sustainable development for a Europe which is respected globally and which can reconnect citizens with the European project.”

The opening keynote and discussion will be led by Luca Jahier, 32nd President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). It will provide a safe space for strategic reflection on how philanthropic organisations can individually and collectively with their social partners contribute in making European founding values a central part of society and drive sustainable development. The exchange will be facilitated by Gerry Salole, Chief Executive of the EFC.

II. Fighting extremism and intolerance for an inclusive Europe

Building on lessons learnt from the work of the European Parliament and of philanthropy with Roma and other vulnerable groups, we will discuss ways of promoting EU values.

The discussion will be an interactive exchange with Romeo Franz, Member of the European Parliament, Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance and will be facilitated by Christoph Leucht, Freudenberg Foundation.

III. Making the European Pillar of Social Rights real

In November 2018, the EU celebrates a year from the adoption of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The objective of the Pillar is to contribute to social progress by supporting fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems. What successes have we seen in the past year? Where can we see hurdles? With the European elections next year candidates for the new Parliament and Commission need to be committed to continue implementation of the Pillar. The EU 2020-27 budget shall also provide sufficient funding for social investments.

How can philanthropy and its social partners contribute in building an impulse to implementation of the Pillar now and into the future?

The discussion will be an interactive exchange with Ruth Paserman, Deputy Head of Marianne Thyssen’s Cabinet, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, facilitated by Víctor Meseguer, Director of Social Economy Europe.

About EuroPhilantopics

EuroPhilantopics is an annual dialogue which forms an integral part of the EFC’s ongoing advocacy and policy work and discussions with policymakers throughout the year.

Building on the relationships and conversations which span several years and making full use of the central location of Philanthropy House in Brussels, the EFC brings together the philanthropic sector and EU policymakers for lively, off the record exchanges and strategic reflections on finding solutions to today’s major challenges.

Helping our members engage with high level policymakers is an integral part of what the EFC does.If there is a topic you feel needs to be aired: tell us and we will help make it happen.

EuroPhilantopics is exclusively for EFC Members

The EuroPhilantopics event is part of the EFC’s ongoing advocacy and policy work for its members. For more information on the EFC’s seven key priorities, please download the EFC Strategic Framework 2016-2022.